People can get very shy about chatting to their GP about anything to do with sex, but discussing your love life and being honest with your doctor is an essential part of your physical and mental wellbeing.

While you probably have no qualms sharing details about your contraceptive method, or are (hopefully) clued-up enough to know when to have an STI screening, it's quite possible that embarrassment is forcing you to keep some other pretty important stuff under wraps.

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It's vital to know that doctors have heard it all, seen it all, and are always here to help. To highlight this, Durex Sex & Relationships Expert, Alix Fox, gives some examples of some of the less heard of – yet still relatively common – issues that you really should be talking to your GP about.

1. Pipe up if you've dried up

Vaginal dryness can be caused by all sorts of things: age, hormonal fluctuations, menopause, reactions to medications, certain types of contraception, stress, allergies to washing powders or soaps, or use of tampons. If you're not producing sufficient natural secretions, intercourse can become uncomfy or even downright excruciating. Alix says:

"Your doctor can help identify the source of the dryness, and also prescribe lubricants to treat it. While standard water-based lubes do the trick perfectly for lots of people, some women find they need gels or creams that offer longer-lasting moisturisation of the vaginal tissues. And if the pain and dryness is occurring higher up in the vaginal canal, they might need a way to get the product exactly where it's needed – smothering a gel on the outside of your bits isn't always effective if the issue is further up inside."

2. …Or if you can't get it up

One in every ten men is thought to suffer from some form of erectile dysfunction – a condition that increases in likelihood as men age. Alix says:

"If you're struggling with erectile dysfunction, tell your doctor. Not only is it crucial that you ensure it's not a symptom of another underlying problem, such as high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes, but your GP can offer much more support than you might assume."

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Remember: pills aren't the only option (and they're not suitable for everyone, either). The NHS are also able to prescribe vacuum pumps, instruct you on how to perform pelvic floor exercises that strengthen the muscles associated with erections, or refer you for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy if the problem is being triggered by stress or anxiety. Interestingly, it is estimated that around 90% of men suffering from depression also have some sort of ED, so be sure to keep your mental health in check.

Products such as constriction rings are also designed to helps guys sustain harder erections for longer by keeping blood held inside the penis once it's engorged. A win-win situation for all involved!

3. If you think your prescriptions are affecting things between the sheets

Many medicines have potential sexual side effects – but warnings and details are usually buried somewhere in the long advice leaflets that are slipped inside their packaging, rather than being made obvious.

"Side effects are not always mentioned by pharmacists or doctors when prescribing, so it can be unexpected and unnerving if medication starts to impact your libido, sexual response or performance," says Alix. "For example, certain antihistamines can cause vaginal dryness, as they act to stop mucous membranes from producing excess moisture – which is spot on to solve runny noses, but can have a less desirable influence down below!"

Some antidepressants make it tricky for both men and women to reach orgasm, and – ironically – hormonal contraception can lower sex drive. If you suspect something you're taking is affecting your lovemaking, your GP can help discuss alternatives, find solutions, or perhaps alter your dose.

4. If you've had an allergic reaction to latex condoms

Condoms are free on the NHS – including non-latex varieties, so don't assume that just because your bits don't rub along well with natural rubber that there are no alternatives. Alix says:

"Non-latex condoms feel better now than ever before. While some types used to be rather 'scrunchy' or 'plasticy', modern varieties are made of a next-generation material called polyisoprene, which is super-fine, super-soft, and gives excellent sensation, especially since it conducts body heat really well, to preserve that 'skin on skin' feeling."

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She adds:

"It's also worth chatting to your GP about apparent latex allergies because people often misdiagnose them – they presume they're having a bad reaction to rubber, when in fact they're allergic to the ingredients in the lubricant coating the condom, or maybe suffering from an STI, thrush, or a different complication."

The good news is that a simple, honest talk should be able to get to the bottom of the problem, and things will soon be looking up.

5. Kinky sex gone wrong? Be honest!

The advent of Fifty Shades has seen a rise in risqué sex, but – unlike in the books or films – these things don't always go to plan. Think anal intercourse might have given you piles, or a fissure? Been accidentally nipped by a nipple clamp, or pulled a muscle while using handcuffs? Alix says there's no need to suffer in silence:

"It can be tempting to make up an excuse as to how you sustained an injury if you're embarrassed about revealing details of your sexual tastes to your doctor, especially if you enjoy less 'vanilla' practices. But unless your GP knows exactly how something happened, it's harder for them to recommend the right course of treatment."

Once again, it's important to remember that they've heard it all before, they're not going to judge, and they will keep any information you share with them entirely confidential.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.